The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Howard J. Jeschke (ASN: 15105136), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 23 January 1945 in Luxembourg. Near Enscherange, Luxembourg, on 23 January 1945, surprise fire forced the temporary withdrawal of a nine man reconnaissance patrol leaving two seriously wounded men on the road where they fell. Sergeant Jeschke, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, ordered his armored car to move down the road while he manned the machine gun in the turret. From his exposed position, Sergeant Jeschke returned the increased enemy fire until the two wounded men were rescued. By his accurate fire two enemy machine guns and a German ammunition distributing point were destroyed. His courage, aggressiveness, and sincere devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.